NUM LOCK key does not switch between numeric and navigation keypads as expected in Word for Mac

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This article was previously published under Q272806

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SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Word for Mac, you are unable to use the NUM LOCK key to switch between the numeric keypad and the navigation keypad (arrow keys) as expected.

In Microsoft Excel 2001 for Mac and earlier versions of Word for Mac, you can press SHIFT+NUM LOCK to switch between the numeric and navigation keypads.

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CAUSE

Word for Mac no longer allows you to switch between the numeric keypad and the navigation keypad by pressing SHIFT+NUM LOCK. This design change was carried out to conform to Mac OS USB Keyboard Standards.

In Excel, you are still able to use SHIFT+NUM LOCK because Excel programming functionality requires that this key be used differently than in Word.

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